JOIN USSkin tends to lose more moisture in winter months, when temperature and humidity are low. Here are simple tips to keep your skin hydrated and glowing:
-Pamper your skin with olive, almond, or avocado oil. Pat the oil on your skin, rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.
- Avoid harsh soaps and astringents.
- Limit baths to once a day. Using a bath emollient may improve the hydration.
- Moisturize your skin in the morning after bath and in the night before sleeping.
- Use an oil based moisturizer rather than water based as the oil will create a protective layer on the skin.
- Use a humidifier to increase the moisture in the air in your home or workplace. You also can place a pan of water near a radiator.
- Never wash the dishes or work with household chemicals without putting on gloves.
- Replace vegetable oil or animal fats with cold-pressed oils such as extra-virgin olive oil and sesame oil. Supplements of evening primrose oil maybe helpful in people with very dry skin.
- Drink at least 2 litres of water everyday to hydrate your skin. Reduce or eliminate your intake of alcohol and caffeine.
(The writer is a dermatologist)